Disney+ Tightens Grip on US Password Sharing

Disney Plus is intensifying its measures against password sharing in the United States, introducing new terms of service that aim to limit account access to household-associated devices and residents only. The changes, which were initially communicated via email, are part of a broader trend among streaming services to curb the common practice of sharing account details with friends and family outside of the subscriber's household. With these updated policies set to take effect on March 14, viewers are prompted to ensure they have legitimate access to the service or consider setting up their own subscription to continue enjoying content like 'The Simpsons' on Disney Plus.

Disney Plus defines a household as "the collection of devices associated with your primary personal residence that are used by the individuals who reside therein." The service has implemented technology to detect whether access is coming from devices within this household. If viewership is detected outside of this range, it will be considered as breaking the terms of service, potentially leading to account limitations or suspensions.

Disney Plus, owned by The Walt Disney Company, has become a significant player in the streaming market since its launch in November 2019. It hosts a vast library of Disney classics, Pixar films, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Star Wars franchise, and original series like 'The Mandalorian'. The platform's continued growth and its investments in new content make it a substantial competitor to other streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The crackdown on password sharing comes as these platforms look for ways to maximize their subscriber base and revenue in a fiercely competitive environment.